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Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

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These crispy air fryer mozzarella stuffed meatballs are a quick, easy, and delicious snack or appetizer featuring a golden crust and gooey cheese center, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup (about 100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk)
  • ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (plain, Italian seasoned, or panko)
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Olive oil spray
  • Mozzarella sticks or small cubes about 1 inch (2.5 cm) for stuffing

Instructions

  1. Cut mozzarella sticks or string cheese into 1-inch cubes and set aside. (5 minutes)
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, egg, and parsley if using. Mix gently until just combined. (5-7 minutes)
  3. Take about 2 tablespoons (30 g) of the meat mixture, flatten it in your palm, place one mozzarella cube in the center, then wrap the meat around it tightly and roll into a smooth ball. Repeat until all mixture and cheese are used, making about 16 meatballs. (10 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding. (2 minutes)
  6. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, then flip each meatball and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crisp with melted mozzarella inside. (15-17 minutes)
  7. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). (1 minute)
  8. Let meatballs rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve warm with marinara or favorite dipping sauce. (3 minutes)

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender. Seal cheese tightly to prevent leaking. Use room temperature egg for better binding. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even crisping. Flip meatballs halfway through cooking. For extra crispiness, spray olive oil halfway through cooking. Can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for gluten-free version and vegan cheese for dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, mozzarella stuffed meatballs, crispy meatballs, easy snack, appetizer, quick recipe, cheesy meatballs

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/crispy-air-fryer-mozzarella-stuffed-meatballs-recipe-easy-homemade-snack/